My son is a spirited little nine year old. He enjoys Minecraft, Power Rangers, and Transformers. He is always smiling, willing to help, and quick to answer any question you put in front of him.
After moving into a new town we were on the lookout for a good school for him to attend. Sadly, the first year my son was bullied at the local public school around the corner from our house. He would often come home physically beaten.
I was told about PDMA from a friend so I started researching every little detail I heard. I decided to book a tour with the school to see what it was because I had never heard of a Montessori school before. The first thing I love about the school is that my son has ADHD and this school allows him to learn in whatever position he feels comfortable, be it standing, sitting, or laying down. It gives him that flexibility to get up and move around not having to be glued to a desk all day. Second, I enjoy that they are so patient and willing to walk him through learning new things. They’re not quick to just drag him along until he gets it, if he doesn’t get it, he’s not left behind. Third, he is on an IEP plan for educational delay and his team is amazing. They are always willing to work with him and keep parents in the loop and on track with helping him achieve his goals put forth – which is amazing! It takes a village to raise a child and he has the best one.
“The first thing I love about the school is that my son has ADHD and this school allows him to learn in whatever position he feels comfortable, be it standing, sitting, or laying down, it gives him that flexibility to get up and move around not having to be glued to a desk all day.”
He was not thriving and would not have survived in the district school we were zoned to, but having the choice to attend PDMA, he is a new child. He has so many friends and he is doing so much better academically. Alexander is catching up quickly to his peers and he would not be able to be this close to his grade level if we didn’t have the choice to change schools.
I believe that as parents we should be able to choose the best options for our kids and normal public schools are not always the best. Every child learns differently. What works for one is not always going to be the best for the other one. Being able to exercise school choice should be a top priority. I would like to tell others who view my child’s story: never feel like you have to settle for the school your district puts you in just because of location. You are allowed to choose and do what you feel is best for them. Look into other schools! Ask about tours and what they do in class with curriculum and how they handle situations. Ask all the questions even if you think they are not worth asking, still, ask! There is never a worthless or dumb question when it comes to your child’s education.
School choice means that I don’t have to settle for a school that is not helping my child bloom and flourish. I get to choose his education. After all, he will need it to be a productive adult to society one day. I get to be a bit picky and choose for now somewhere he feels welcome and safe.
